Nikola Krstovic secured a crucial stoppage-time penalty for Atalanta against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Following the match, coach Raffaele Palladino encouraged his players to give Krstovic a ‘huge round of applause’ as he displayed a bloodstained bandage that had been used to treat the striker’s injury.
Atalanta stands as the only Serie A team to advance to the Champions League Round of 16, having triumphed over Borussia Dortmund with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-off.
Palladino’s Inspiring Words After Atalanta’s Historic Victory
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lazar Samardzic of Atalanta converts the penalty that secured his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 knockout play-off second leg against Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
La Dea was awarded a late penalty last night after Ramy Bensebaini clumsily kicked Krstovic in the head. Following the match, Palladino praised his striker’s commitment in the locker room.
A video shared by Atalanta on Instagram features Palladino addressing the team while holding up the bloodstained bandage used by Krstovic.
“Let’s give a huge round of applause, come on, give it to him. Our player, look at this, gave everything for that last ball, Krstovic won us the penalty,” Palladino said, with Luca and Antonio Percassi in attendance.
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Despite the pain from Bensebaini’s reckless kick, Krstovic shared his experience on social media, maintaining a positive attitude after a memorable night in Bergamo.
Atalanta is set to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, with the draw scheduled for tomorrow.
